Destructive winds across the city last night have caused widespread damage

Auckland Storm: Ponsonby has seen better days. Source: NZH Reporter, Carla Penman

Video capturing the effects of storm at Panmure in Auckland. Source: Jim Birchall

Storm causes tree to fall on car in Papakura, Auckland. Source: Krystal Rikihana

The top of the North Island will experience a significant drop in temperatures overnight.

Two tornadoes, snow, heaving rain, lightening and strong winds is causing significant damage as this year's first winter storm hits the country.

A truckie survives after driving through a tornado. / Video supplied by Rick Field

"I have never been so s... scared in my life."

Snowfall in Methven. Facebook / Bluepub Methven

On the rare occasion they hit New Zealand towns, tornadoes are dramatic events.

Snow is falling in the South Island and gusty winds, heavy rain and thunderstorms are hitting the North Island - and the worst is yet to come.

Tornadoes hit Taranaki and Tongariro and lightning strikes the West Coast

Insurers have already forked out $93 million for property damage this year.

A "bitterly cold day" for most as the first real winter storm of the year hits.

MetService Weather New Zealand: April 9th - 11th

MetService Weather Wellington: April 10th

MetService Weather Christchurch: April 10th

MetService Weather Auckland: April 10th

The key is in keeping your home warm and dry.

Powerco warns customers of impending storm

The storm is forecast to dump as much as half a metre of snow in places.

First snowfall warning of year as low pressure system and cold front chill the country.

Get your winter woollies out, the cold is coming.

It's a mild weekend across the country but two cold fronts will hit next week.

Weekend weather is looking mild across the country, but cold creeps in next week.

Metservice weather April 7th outlook for weekend and start of next week